District graduates average24.4 on ACT . . . . . . . . . . .p.5

One-in-four students areliving in poverty . . . . . . . . .p.4

Magnet school applicationinformation . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.8

Educating our students to reach their full potential

Winter 2015 District196.org Volume 56 Number 2

STEM Pathway is looking fab(lab)ulousApple Valley High School students Gabrielle Partee and JonCarria Koonkaew work on the vinyl cutter in the school’s new fabrication lab, which was unveiled at a public grand open-ing Nov. 12. The fab lab contains $200,000 worth of machines that give students the ability to make almost anything. The lab’s opening marks a significant milestone in Apple Valley’s continuing transformation into a STEM-themed high school and development of the district’s K-12 STEM Pathway of schools, which also includes Cedar Park Elementary STEM School and Valley Middle School of STEM. The lab will be available to the public in 2016.

District 196 voters approved a refer-endum question for $180 million in capital improvements and technology funding, and re-elected all four incumbent School Board members in the Nov. 3 school district election.

Rosemount resident and current Vice Chair Jackie Magnuson was the top vote getter in the School Board race, receiv-ing 7,277 votes to earn re-election to her eighth term on the board. Next was Joel Albright of Apple Valley with 6,252 votes, re-elected to his fourth term. Board Chair Rob Duchscher of Rosemount received 5,895 votes to win re-election to his fifth term and Bob Schutte of Apple Valley received 5,879 votes to win the fourth open seat and his seventh term on the board. Challengers Michael Atherley of Rosemount, Sachin Isaacs of Burnsville and Craig Angrimson of Apple Valley finished with 3,031, 2,836 and 2,820 votes, respectively.

The referendum question was approved by a more than 2-to-1 margin, 8,768 yes (69 percent) to 3,935 no (31 per-cent). The approved referendum provides the district with $130 million in bonding authority to make safety and security improvements at all schools, provide additional space for learning, including a new elementary school, and upgrades to technology infrastructure districtwide. The referendum question also includes a capital project levy that will provide approximately $5 million per year for 10 years to increase access to technology for

Voters approve bond and re-elect board incumbents

continued on page 2

Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

potlightS #196

2Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

District News

Independent School District 196

District 196 does not discriminate in employment or in any of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, age or genetic information. District 196 provides equal access to designated youth groups. The Director of Human Resources (651-423-7859) has been designated to respond to employment-related inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies. The Director of Elementary Education (651-423-7782) and the Director of Secondary Education (651-423-7712) have been designated to respond to student-related inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies. The Director of Special Education (651-423-7629) has been designated to respond to inquiries concerning the rights of a student with a disability. The mailing address for all directors is 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068.

Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

3455 153rd Street W. Rosemount, MN 55068

651-423-7700 651-423-7717 (TTY)

651-683-6969 (voicemail)

www.District196.org

Spotlight is a quarterly publication mailed to every household in District 196 to inform

parents and other residents about district news.

Send comments on Spotlight to Tony.Taschner@District196.org

Results of November 3, 2015 School Board and Special Election, by Precinct

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

B’ville L’ville/ Empire

Apple Valley Rosemount/Coates/ Vermillion

Eagan/Inver Grove Heights Totals

Ballots Cast 692 940 910 1,100 632 1,074 614 1,295 1,226 976 944 920 630 797 12,750

SCHOOL BOARD (4) #

Jackie Magnuson* 370 538 522 654 381 628 384 771 693 555 476 497 371 437 7,277 1

Joel Albright* 327 417 463 574 350 561 318 640 575 465 444 436 318 364 6,252 2

Rob Duchscher* 298 351 416 538 315 522 314 629 600 451 396 429 279 357 5,895 3

Bob Schutte* 322 393 454 570 299 514 330 613 538 454 361 421 281 329 5,879 4

Michael Atherley 182 199 227 268 126 242 143 380 310 210 166 215 166 197 3,031 5

Sachin Isaacs 187 155 206 246 142 232 120 296 226 184 232 227 177 206 2,836 6

Craig Angrimson 163 231 232 279 140 231 138 299 247 212 165 177 143 163 2,820 7

Write-In 30 25 35 27 24 34 7 44 46 42 29 31 21 56 451

REFERENDUM

Yes 429 688 546 756 451 725 448 929 916 657 651 614 406 552 8,768 69%

No 261 250 353 341 176 346 158 366 309 318 292 301 219 245 3,935 31%

* Elected to a four-year term that begins Jan. 4, 2016

all students and maintain that access over the life of the levy.

“We are pleased with the outcome and grateful for the community’s continued

support for safe and successful schools in District 196,” said Superintendent Jane K. Berenz. “The improvements from this referendum will help us maintain the high-quality learning environments and educa-tional opportunities that have made this a district of choice.”

The improvements that follow by cat-egory will be made in phases over the next three years.

Safety and Security• Modified entrances at all schools to

better control visitor access

• Upgraded security equipment at all schools (cameras, door locks and emergency response buttons)

• Site improvements at 16 sites with identified need to improve pedestrian and traffic safety

Space for Learning• New elementary school in the

southern part of the district

• Additions to five elementary magnet schools and Parkview Elementary

• STEM improvements at all six middle schools, Cedar Park Elementary STEM School and Apple Valley High

• Improvements to meet district standards for space at Rosemount High and elementary schools with identified need

• Replacement of worn-out student furniture at middle schools and high schools

Technology for Learning• Infrastructure upgrades

• Mobile learning device for each student in grades 4-12, phased in over three years

• 3-to-1 ratio of students-to-mobile learning device for grades pre-K-3

Referendum improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .continued from front page

Bob SchutteJoel Albright Rob DuchscherJackie Magnuson

3Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

Superintendent’s Message

Much to be thankful for, but more are facing poverty in our district

By Jane K. Berenz, superintendent

At this time of year when we pause to reflect and give thanks for all that we have, there are

many things for which to be thankful in District 196 and many people who can be thankful for what the district provides.

As superintendent, I am thankful for our amazing students and their eagerness to learn; our supportive parents who are engaged in their children’s education; our generous business and community part-ners; our understanding bargaining groups that helped us through difficult financial times, and our talented teachers and other staff who are working hard every day to provide each student the best education they can.

On behalf of the more than 27,000 students and 3,500 full- and part-time employees in District 196, I am also thank-ful to voters for approving the referendum question in the November 3 election. Funding from the referendum will improve safety and security at all of our schools, provide needed space for learning and increase access to technology as an essen-tial tool for learning for all students.

Although taxes will increase slightly as a result of the approved referendum ($12 per month on the average-value home) property owners in District 196 can be thankful to live and do business in a district that is recognized as a leader in education and is sought after by families moving into the area. This creates demand for housing, which keeps property values high and businesses profitable.

Property owners in District 196 can also be thankful to have comparatively low property taxes. According to data from the League of Minnesota Cities, five of the 10

Minnesota cities with the lowest total tax rates in 2014 included District 196 taxes as part of their total rate: Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley and Inver Grove Heights.

Our district’s levy for property taxes payable in 2015 was 1 percent less than it was in 2010. Over that same five-year period, the average for all school district tax levies statewide increased 12 percent. The reasons for the difference include a combination of budget cuts and conserva-tive budgeting by our School Board and legislative changes that are providing our district with additional equalization aid from the state.

Parents like myself can be thankful for the variety of opportunities District 196 schools provide for our children and for the talented teachers and other staff who are leading these programs and helping students learn and grow. Through years of budget cuts and funding shortages, District 196 has maintained a Triple-A philosophy based on our belief in the importance of providing students a well-rounded education that includes opportu-nities in academics, the arts and athletics.

“When class is in session, parents have another reason to smile: access to a nationally recognized public school district of choice.” This sentence about Rosemount was published in the August 2015 issue of Money magazine, which ranked Rosemount 12th on this year’s list of the 50 Best Places to Live in America and fourth of its five Best Places to Be a Kid. Quality of the schools was a key factor in both rankings. Apple Valley and Eagan have also made Money’s list in previous years.

Staff can be thankful for the support they receive from the community and our School Board. District 196 residents showed their appreciation for our teach-ers and staff in a scientific survey con-ducted last April. Ninety-five percent of respondents rated the quality of education provided by District 196 as “excellent” or “good;” 93 percent rated the performance of teachers as “excellent” or “good” and 92 percent agree that the community receives good value from its investment in District 196 schools.

While there is certainly much to be thankful for, district leaders and others in the community are increasingly concerned about the growing number of families in District 196 who are living in poverty and who struggle to provide their children with the basics of food, clothing and hous-ing. This year, 24 percent of our students – nearly one of every four – are living in poverty and are eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals.

In response to the increasing number of children who face hunger issues on the weekend, when school meals are not available, our district began a partner-ship this year with The Sheridan Story of Minneapolis. For $130, the nonprofit can provide one student in need with a bag of food to take home from school every weekend for the entire school year. All funding is provided through donations from individuals, churches and other orga-nizations like the District 196 Foundation. So far this year, there have been enough donations to provide weekend bags of food to 485 students, but many more are still in need. If you would like to consider making a donation, please go to www.thesheridanstory.com/District196 or call 651-423-7720.

Did You Know?School district taxes on the average-value home in District 196 are lower this year, in payable 2015, than they were seven years ago in payable 2008.

4Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

District News

Enrollment in District 196 schools increased 1.4 percent this year and one in four students in the district are living in poverty, according to enrollment and demographic data presented to the School Board Oct. 12.

The annual October enrollment report is submitted to the state to determine funding for the year. The 2015 report shows there were 27,790 total students enrolled on Oct. 1 compared to 27,412 last year, an increase of 378 students or 1.4 percent.

This is the third straight year of rising enrollment in the district after nearly a decade of slight enrollment declines. District 196 is the fourth largest public school district in Minnesota, behind Anoka-Hennepin, St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The district’s largest class this year is grade 10, with 2,165 students. The break-down by level shows that on Oct. 1, there were:

• 11,955 elementary school students, an increase of 156 students from last year;

• 6,040 middle school students, an increase of 85;

• 8,478, high school students, an increase of 100;

• 812 students in center-based special education programs, an increase of 41, and

• 505 students in early childhood special education, a decrease of 4 students from last year.

Students of color represent 33 per-cent of total enrollment, up 1.5 percent from last year and nearly double 10 years ago.

The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price school meals has more than doubled in the last 10 years, up to 25 percent this year. This percentage has been slowly increasing at most schools in the district. However, there are several schools on the district’s west side where the increases have been much faster and the percentage of students living in pov-erty is currently at or above 40 percent.

Students receiving special education services represent 14 percent of enroll-ment this year and 6.2 percent qualify for English Learner (EL) services.

Enrollment is up and one in four students are living in poverty

District 196 has immediate openings for quality individuals who enjoy working with children. There are positions open for substitute clerical/paraprofessional staff, bus drivers and food service associates, as described below. For more information and to apply online, go to www.District196.org and click on the “Employment” tab on the right side of the top navigation bar.

The substitute clerical pay rate is $11 per hour and substitute parapro-fessional pay rate is $12.25 per hour. Applicants must be available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weeks; be willing to work as a special education paraprofessional at multiple schools; pass a pre-employment physical and background check; complete online Personal Care Assistant training and attend a clerical orientation session.

The bus driver pay rate is $16.35 per hour and benefits are available to employ-

In September, the School Board approved a new two-year agreement with the district’s nearly 2,000 teachers and school nurses who are members of Dakota County United Educators.

The approved contract runs from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017. It provides a 2.4 percent improvement to the salary and longevity schedules each year, and a 1 percent increase in the district’s contribution to health care insurance in each year of the contract.

A first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree is earning $38,984 under the contract this year. An experienced teacher with a master’s degree at the top of the schedule has a base salary of $71,646

Jobs offer opportunities to make a difference

Board approves contract with teachersunder the new contract.

“I am pleased to have a settlement that will keep us competitive in attract-ing and retaining the best teachers,” said Superintendent Jane K. Berenz, noting the nation’s increasing shortage of teach-ers. “We are a district of choice because of the high-quality people we have working with our students.”

In a survey of District 196 residents conducted last April, 93 percent of respon-dents rated the performance of District 196 teachers as “excellent” or “good,” which Bill Morris of The Morris Leatherman Company said is among the highest ratings he has seen in his many years as a profes-sional pollster.

ees who work 25 or more hours per week. Part-time and substitute positions are available, with preference for individuals who can be available for both morning and afternoon routes. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a Minnesota driver’s license with a good driving record, enjoy working with children and be able to lift/drag up to 125 pounds. The district provides training to obtain necessary licen-sure.

The pay rate for food service asso-ciates is $14.45 per hour ($10.20 per hour starting wage for substitutes) plus a complimentary meal each shift. Regular and substitute positions are available, three to five hours per day. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and be able to safely lift up to 40 pounds. Responsibilities include food preparation, meal sales and service, cashiering and clean-up.

The District 196 Foundation Board of Directors is seeking motivated applicants to join them in carrying out the organiza-tion’s mission and vision. The foundation provides resources to enhance experi-ences and opportunities for students attending District 196 schools.

To date this year, the District 196 Foundation has provided funding for 75 students to receive a bag of food to take home each weekend throughout the school year. To donate for additional students ($130 per child per year) go to

District 196 Foundation seeking board memberswww.thesheridanstory.com/District196 or mail a check to: District 196 Foundation, 3455 153rd St. W., Rosemount, MN 55068, put The Sheridan Story in the memo line.

The District 196 Foundation Board of Directors meets six times per year, every other month, 6 p.m. at the District Office in Rosemount. To apply for a position on the board, go to http://tinyurl.com/ocpx46z. For more information, contact Director of Community Education Khia Brown at 651-423-7720.

5Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

In the Schools

Students enrolled in the two Leadership Seminar classes at the School of Environmental Studies (SES) are in the second year of a unique, three-year project that will enhance sustainability at the school and serve as a model for other schools, according to teacher Jane Tunseth.

With the support of the SES Educational Foundation, these students have been working with professionals from the US Green Building Council-Minnesota, Sebesta, Trane, Wold Architects & Engineers, Noble Conservation Solutions and Dakota Electric Association toward obtaining LEED v4 Certification for the school building.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green build-ing certification program that recognizes best-in-class green building design and maintenance strategies and practices. SES has been named an Energy Star school as part of the process, which began last year. Once the project work is finished in May 2016, SES will be the first existing high school in the country to be LEEDv4 certified.

“To me, a part of the LEED project is to show that not only students at SES, but teenagers in general can be driven and

SES students are taking the LEED on building certification program

ambitious to create good,” said Allison Hagg, one of four seniors who initiated the LEED project last year as juniors. Hagg said her favorite value at SES is the belief in giving back and having a lasting, posi-tive impact for those who follow. “We saw

SES seniors (left to right) Jacob Aguilar, Allison Hagg, Collin Westgard and Irina Bernard initiated the process to seek LEED v4 certification last year when they were juniors and it is scheduled to be complete at the end of next school year.

LEED as a way for our class to do this, to ensure the building will be a comfort-able and positive place for future students, as well as more energy efficient and eco-friendly.”

District 196 students in the graduat-ing class of 2015 scored nearly two points higher than the nation-leading Minnesota average on the ACT college admissions test, according to results released this fall.

The average composite score for District 196 graduates was 24.4 out of a possible 36. That is an increase of 0.3 points over the district’s score in 2014 and is 1.7 points higher than the state average of 22.7, which for the 10th year in a row was highest in the nation among states where more than half of all graduates took the test. The national average composite score was 21.0.

In District 196, approximately 82 percent of the graduating class of 2015 took the ACT last school year, compared to 78 percent statewide. This school year, all high school juniors in Minnesota will have an opportunity to take the ACT Plus Writing as part of a new state requirement. The test date for juniors in District 196 is April 19, 2016, with a make-up date of

District graduates outscore state ACT average that was highest in nationMay 3. The ACT is the primary admissions test for students attending colleges in the Midwest.

The average composite scores of 2015 graduates for individual District 196 high schools are as follows:

• Apple Valley High School – 23.5

• Eagan High School – 25.6

• Eastview High School – 24.8

• Rosemount High School – 23.9

• School of Environmental Studies – 22.9

ACT Average Composite Scores, 2008-2015

Year District 196 State National

2015 24.4 22.7 21.0

2014 24.1 22.9 21.0

2013 24.0 23.0 20.9

2012 24.1 22.8 21.1

2011 24.0 22.9 21.1

2010 24.0 22.9 21.0

2009 23.9 22.7 21.1

2008 23.8 22.6 21.1

6Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

In the Schools

Greenleaf Elementary School and Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Science were both selected for recognition as Reward Schools by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) this fall based on their scores on the state’s Multiple Measurement Rating (MMR) system.

In addition, Oak Ridge, Rosemount, Southview and Westview elementary schools were all designated as Celebration Eligible Schools for performing in the top 15 to 25 percent of schools in the state that receive Title I funding.

The MMR public school accountability system uses multiple measures of student achievement on the Standards Based Accountability Assessments that students take each spring (see related article below). The MMR score is represented as a percent-age that is calculated using the combined points a school earns in the following four measurement areas (up to 25 points each):

• Proficiency of the school’s students in making adequate yearly progress targets based on scores on the state assessments;

District 196 schools recognized for achievement on state rating system• Growth in achievement of the

school’s students on the state assess-ments;

• Achievement gap reduction between subgroups of students at the school, as measured by growth on the state assessments, and

• Graduation rate (for high schools only).

Schools earn points within each area based on their rank compared to other schools in the state. Points are awarded for the achievement of a school’s students as a whole and within each of the follow-ing eight student subgroups: White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, American Indian, students who receive special education services, students who receive English Learner (EL) services and students who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

Schools that have higher concentra-tions of poverty and receive federal Title I funding may also receive an MMR desig-nation as a Reward, Celebration Eligible or Continuous Improvement School. The nine Title I schools in District 196

are all elementary schools: Cedar Park Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School, Echo Park, Glacier Hills, Greenleaf, Oak Ridge, Parkview, Rosemount, Southview and Westview. Not all Title I schools receive an MMR designation, nor do any schools that do not receive Title I funding.

• Reward Schools are the highest- performing 15 percent of Title I schools in the state.

• Celebration Eligible Schools are the highest-performing 15 to 25 percent of Title I schools in the state.

• Continuous Improvement Schools are in the lowest-performing 10 to 25 percent of Title I schools in the state. No District 196 school has received this designation.

MMR scores for all Minnesota public schools are available on the MDE website at www.education.state.mn.us/. (Go to the Data Center tab on the top row, select Minnesota Report Card, then select School Performance and type in the name of the school you want to review.)

The percentage of District 196 students who scored proficient on state reading, math and science tests exceeded statewide averages for all grades tested in spring 2015, according to results of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) released earlier this year.

These Standards-Based Accountability Assessments are given annually in read-ing (grades 3-8 and 10) math (grades 3-8 and 11) and science (grades 5, 8 and high school, after completion of the life science curriculum). More than 13,000 District 196 students took the MCAs or MTAS (for eligible students with special needs) last spring.

The MCAs and MTAS measure student performance on the Minnesota Academic Standards, which define what students should know and be able to do in a particular grade. Students earn a score that falls into one of four achievement levels: 1) does not meet the standards; 2) partially meets the standards; 3) meets the standards, and 4) exceeds the stan-dards. Students who meet or exceed the standards are considered to be proficient in the subject area.

Students exceed state averages on reading, math and science testsCompared to 2014, the percentage of

District 196 students who scored proficient on the MCAs or MTAS reading, math and

science tests stayed about the same for all levels tested.

2015 Reading Assessments – Percentage of Students Proficient

Grade 3 4 5 6 7 8 10

District 196 63.6 65.2 72.6 71.7 63.5 67.1 71.2

Statewide 59.7 58.7 67.5 64.8 56.7 57.3 58.9

Difference 3.9 6.5 5.1 6.9 6.8 9.8 12.3

2015 Math Assessments – Percentage of Students Proficient

Grade 3 4 5 6 7 8 11

District 196 76.4 76.8 69.0 66.3 64.2 *64.7 63.8

Statewide 72.0 71.1 60.8 59.2 56.4 59.5 50.7

Difference 4.4 5.7 8.2 7.1 7.8 5.1 13.1

2015 Science Assessments – Percentage of Students Proficient

Grade 5 8 High School

District 196 68.0 *57.6 69.5

Statewide 60.2 47.0 56.3

Difference 7.8 10.6 13.2

7Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

In the Schools

Sixteen District 196 high school seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2015-16 National Merit Scholarship Program and another 23 seniors are being recognized as commended students based on tests they took last year.

The 16 National Merit semifinalists from District 196 are:

• Robert Hapke, Rachel Krall and Sophia Moschkau of Apple Valley High School;

• Lincoln Brown, Britta Koenen, Ridhima Mishra and Steven Tran of Eagan High School;

• Eric Bergquist, Pavithron Guttipatti, Kaitlyn Hepp, Bryan Joung, David Lu and Grace Mayer of Eastview High School, and

• Jacob Grunklee, Lauren Kirkley and William Lai of Rosemount High School.

Thirty-nine seniors recognized as National Merit scholars this yearStudents are selected as semifinalists

based on their scores on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which they take as juniors. Semifinalists rank in the top 1 percent of the approximately 1.5 million U.S. students who took the test last year. The semifi-nalists may submit additional informa-tion to be considered for selection as a finalist. Students named National Merit finalists will compete for more than 7,400 scholarships totaling $32 million that will be awarded next spring by businesses, colleges and universities, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

In addition to semifinalists, the National Merit program also recognizes students whose scores on the PSAT/NMSQT rank them in the top 5 percent of students nationwide. In District 196, the following 23 seniors are National Merit

commended students for 2015-16:

• Ilana Blyakher of Apple Valley High;

• Jackson Cobb, Dana Duran, Brendan Dykes, Connor Hage, Anna Krueger, Olivia Mitchell, Saumik Narayanan and Aisha Tahir of Eagan High;

• John Flanagan, Rishabh Gupta, Sean Kamano, Nicholas Kilen, Kylie Kraemer, Amelia Larwood, Devon Machalek, Audrey Salo, Anika Vij and Benjamin Ziemann of Eastview High;

• George Dippold, Brandon Menne and McKenzie Samson of Rosemount High, and

• Allison Hagg of the School of Environmental Studies.

National Merit scholars from all five District 196 high schools posed for a group shot after being recognized at the Oct. 12 School Board meeting.

The Minnesota Student Survey has been given to students statewide every three years since 1989. The testing window this year is from January to June for students in grades 5, 8, 9 and 11.

Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education, the survey provides school staff with information about health and social factors that affect

Minnesota Student Survey to be given this year in grades 5, 8, 9 and 11student learning, growth and development, and how those factors compare with other students in the state. The data is used to identify trends and risk factors affecting students in order to better support them.

The survey includes questions about tobacco, alcohol and other drug use; attitudes; unhealthy dietary behaviors; physical activity; unintentional injuries and

violence. Students take the survey online. Participation is voluntary and responses are anonymous and confidential.

Parents of children in grades 5, 8, 9 and 11 will receive notification from their child’s school in January with information on how to review the survey questions and opt a child out of taking the survey, if they choose.

8Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

In the Schools

Wonders of waterGlacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Science second-graders experienced the reaction of water on dry ice during a classroom demonstration by visiting staff from the Science Museum of Minnesota. The demonstration was part of a residency called Water is Life that Glacier Hills conducted in partnership with the Science Museum, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The students took field trips to the arboretum and MIA this fall, in addition to having Science Museum staff visit their school. The residency was funded by a grant the school received.

The period for parents in District 196 to apply for their child to attend a magnet school in the 2016-17 school year opened Nov. 11 and runs through Jan. 11. The schools include Valley Middle School of STEM and five elementary schools that will operate as magnet schools in 2016-17.

The magnet school application is available at www.District196.org/MagnetSchools.

Since 2007, the district has offered three theme-based elementary magnet school options at Cedar Park Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School in Apple Valley, Diamond Path Elementary School of International Studies in Apple Valley and Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Science in Eagan. Valley Middle opened as a STEM magnet school last year, offering transportation to interested middle school students districtwide.

In 2016-17, the district will offer two more magnet school options with the addi-

Time is now to apply for magnet school enrollment in 2016-17tion of Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology in Burnsville, and Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences in Eagan.

Echo Park’s theme will combine academic excellence with nurturing learner qualities of persistence, curiosity and empathy to help students become l eaders who are developing skills in critical thinking, problem solving and global communication. Oak Ridge’s theme will foster development of personal and interpersonal skills as students grow as leaders and explore environmental issues, conservation, health research and the application of that knowledge on human and animal health.

Parents can learn more about all of the magnet schools at spotlight events that will be held at each school on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and again on Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Any district student who will be

in elementary or middle school in the 2016-17 school year can apply to attend a magnet school. Valley Middle School of STEM has space available for all students who apply. Enrollment at the elementary magnet schools is determined by lottery and is limited to space available at each school and grade level. Students residing in the district who are selected for magnet school enrollment receive transportation if they live more than one mile from the school.

The elementary magnet school lottery will be held soon after the Jan. 11 deadline for applications. Parents of students selected for enrollment in the lottery will be notified of their child’s selection by Jan. 19.

More information about the magnet schools and the application process is available at www.District196.org/MagnetSchools or by calling Magnet Schools and Innovative Programs TOSA Tony Eatchel at 651-423-7810.

Students interested in enrolling at the School of Environmental Studies (SES) for the 2016-17 school year must complete an online application by Dec. 21. The applica-tion is available at www.District196.org/SES.

SES is an optional high school for juniors and seniors. The 400-student theme-based school is located on the grounds of the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.

Informational meetings will be held for all current sophomores Dec. 7 at Eastview High, Dec. 8 at Apple Valley High, Dec. 10 at Eagan High and Dec. 11 at Rosemount High. Sophomores who would like to tour SES during the school day can do so two days after the presentation at their high school.

Informational meetings for interested high school students and their parents will be held Dec. 16 and 17, 6:30-8 p.m. both nights; attend only one meeting. For more information, call the school at 952-431-8750.

SES staff, students, alumni and other supporters celebrated the school’s 20th anniversary Oct. 24 with a day of outdoor and indoor activities attended by an esti-mated 600 participants.

Applications to attend SES due December 21

9Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

Achievements

Congratulations!A sampling of recent student and staff achievements throughout District 196

Eagan girls’ soccer makes it two in a rowThe Eagan High girls’ soccer team won its second straight Class AA state championship Nov. 5, defeating Eden Prairie 1-0 in the title game for the second year in a row. Members of the team are Megan Plaschko, Rachel Knutson, Paige Kovach, Jade King, Anni Christenson, Lauren Boike, Kate Woodcock, Samantha Anderson, Molly Busch, Kayla Vrieze, Sydney Sherek, Gabby Bland, Taylor Kenealy, Sophie Horn, Hannah Pavek, Emma Brechlin, Elise Lee, Carly Czaplewski, Sydney Flannery and Eryka Quick, and student managers are Fina Bonarden, Sammi Skoog and Kaelyn Brisky. The head coach is Turk Ozturk and assistant coaches are Alyssa Freitag, Katie Holmes and Lindsay Freitag.

Cedar Park Elementary STEM School was validated as a 2015-16 Minnesota School of Excellence by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association. The program recognizes schools that successfully undertake a school improvement process that includes a school-wide self-study, development of a school improvement plan and implementa-tion of that plan.

The Red Pine Elementary Math Masters team of Ben Ellis, Ryan Leska, Alex Sell, Haroon Shahzad and Drew Wetterlind took first place at the state competition earlier this year and were recognized during a Minnesota Twins game.

The Rosemount High marching band finished in second place at the Minnesota Youth in Music Marching Band Championships and was seventh in the finals of the Bands of America Super Regional Championships in St. Louis in October.

The Eagan High girls’ tennis team won the Section 3AA tournament and partici-pated in the team competition of the Class AA state tournament in October. In singles competition, Eagan’s Samantha Nichols lost her opening-round match but came back to win the consolation championship. In doubles competition, Eagan’s Anusha Arcalgud and Eesha Varma advanced to the second round along with Eastview High’s Jordan Kopfer and Taylor Kopfer.

The Rosemount High boys’ cross-country team qualified to com-pete as a team and finished 13th in the boys’ Class AA state tournament Nov. 7 in Northfield. Trenton Allen of Eagan High was the top finisher among district runners, finishing 57th overall.

Eastview High School Student Services Specialist Rob Rachow was named Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Educational Theatre Association. The award recognizes per-sons in theater education who stand out for their artistry, leadership and dedication to students. Rachow has directed produc-tions and helped students design and build numerous sets during his 16 years at Eastview.

The Eastview High girls’ cross-country team qualified for the team state tournament and finished in 11th place. Laura Bestul was the top finisher for Eastview, placing 17th in the team com-petition and 24th overall.

The Eagan High boys’ soccer team won the Section 3AA tournament and par-ticipated in the state tournament.

Rosemount High Speech and Debate Coach Cort Sylvester was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame. Sylvester was a three-time state champion in speech while attending Barnesville High School. He is a litigating attorney and has coached speech and debate at Rosemount for the past 23 years.

Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Science received a Commitment to Excellence Award from PeaceMaker Minnesota for achieving significant

improvement in its bullying prevention student survey results.

Indi Goren of Red Pine Elementary took third place in a statewide essay com-petition on What the Pledge of Allegiance Means to Me, sponsored by the Elks Association of Minnesota.

Did You Know?It costs just $130 to help a child facing hunger issues right here in District 196. Donations so far this year are providing a bag of food every weekend for 485 students, but the need exists for many more. To consider a donation, go to www.thesheridanstory.com/District196 or call 651-423-7720.

10Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

Just the Facts

With the arrival of winter comes the possibility of school cancelations or delayed starts due to inclement weather. While “snow days” may be fun for students, the district does not take closing school lightly and wants students to be in school whenever possible. These decisions impact families throughout the district who may need to find alternative care for their children if school is not in session.

The over-riding concern in making these decisions is the safety of students, staff and others in the community. Several factors are considered, including road conditions and visibility, snow depth, wind chill, the weather forecast for the remain-der of the day and the actions of other districts in our area. The superintendent makes these decisions based on what is best for all children in the district. If parents are ever concerned about sending their child to school because of weather conditions, it is always their choice to keep them at home.

If the decision is made to either delay or cancel school, the information

Weather-related decisions based on safety and communicated broadlywill be communicated to district employ-ees and parents via an early-morning phone call from the superintendent using the SchoolConnects mass notification service to which the district subscribes. In addition, the cancelation or delay will be communicated in the following ways:

• On the banner of the district web-site at District196.org (this is where information appears first) and on the district’s Facebook page;

• On all four Twin Cities televi-sion network affiliate stations and WCCO-AM (830) radio. Look/listen for the “Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools,” and

• On the district information line record-ing at 651-423-7777.

If school is canceled, all daytime and after-school community education activities, including early childhood and Adult Basic Education (ABE) are also can-celed, as well as all elementary and middle school after-school and evening activities. YMCA School-Age Care (SAC) will be can-

celed when there is a snow-related cancel-ation; SAC will be held at pre-determined locations if there is a temperature-related school cancelation. Decisions about whether to hold evening high school and community education activities are communicated on the district website and information line.

If the opening of school is delayed, all school buses operate on a normal, but two-hour delayed schedule and the following activities are canceled: morn-ing and afternoon early childhood special education (ECSE) and early childhood family education (ECFE) classes, morn-ing and afternoon Connections Preschool classes and morning community education activities, including SAC and ABE.

If severe weather develops during the school day, schedules may change and would be communicated via the SchoolConnects service and on the district website, information line and television/radio stations.

District 196 students may apply to attend a different school within the district (intradistrict transfer) or to attend school in a different district (interdistrict transfer) for a number of reasons detailed below.

In order to balance enrollment between schools, the district limits trans-fers to any particular school to building capacity plus 5 percent for district resi-dents (intradistrict transfer) and building capacity for non-district residents (interdis-trict transfer).

Intradistrict TransfersElementary school students (grades

K-5) may request a transfer from one District 196 elementary school to another based on the following situations:

• Daycare – if the student will be receiv-ing daycare in the attendance area of a school other than the student’s designated school.

• Intent to change residency – if the student’s parent or guardian intends to move to a new residence within the school year and designates a mailing address for their new residence.

• Parent/guardian request – based on space available in the requested school. If one of the three magnet schools is requested parents must

Deadlines are in January for parents to request school transfers for 2016-17submit an application by Jan. 11, 2016 to be considered in the random selection process.

For more information, contact your child’s elementary school or the district’s Student Information Department at 651-423-7640.

Secondary school students (grades 6-12) may request a transfer from one District 196 secondary school to another based on the following situations:

• Intent to change residency – if the student’s parent or guardian, or the adult student (age 18 or older) intends to move to a new residence within the school year and designates a mailing address for their new residence.

• Continued enrollment of an 11th or 12th grade student – if an 11th or 12th grade student has been enrolled in a District 196 school and their parent or guardian (or the adult student, if age 18 or older) has moved to the atten-dance area of another District 196 school.

• Parent/guardian/adult student request – based on space available in the requested school.

Intradistrict transfer applications are due by Jan. 5 to be considered for enroll-

ment in the next school year. For more information, contact your child’s school or Student Information at 651-423-7640.

Interdistrict TransfersStudents living outside the district

may apply to enroll in District 196 schools through the state’s Enrollment Options Program. Nonresident students are encouraged to apply to the district by Jan. 15 to be considered for enrollment in the following school year.

Nonresident applicants are also encouraged to request the school(s) they wish to attend but, in accordance with state law, the district will assign transfer students to schools which have space. Students who are accepted under the Enrollment Options Program will be permitted to remain in the district through grade 12, but will be assigned to schools that have space available.

Applications for enrollment under the Enrollment Options Program are avail-able by calling Student Information at 651-423-7640.

District 196 students may also apply to attend school in a different district. For more information, contact the school district the student would like to attend.

11Spotlight • Winter 2015 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

On Stage

Coming Events

Apple Valley High School Presents

Eastview High School Presents

December 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.December 13 at 2 p.m.Senior Citizen Free Preview December 8 at 3:30 p.m.$9 adults – $7 seniors – $5 students Call 952-431-8955http://www.evperformingarts.com/ticket-info/

Apple Valley High• Holiday Band Concert, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.

• Holiday Choir Concert, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.

• Jazz Ensemble, Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m.

• Panorama of Bands, Jan. 18, 7 p.m.

Eagan High

• Holiday Vocal Concerts, Dec. 21, 6 and 7:30 p.m.

• Pyramid Jazz Concert, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

• Mid-Winter Band Concerts, Jan. 25, 6 and 7:30 p.m.

• Drumline Invitational, Feb. 6, 6 p.m.

Eastview High• Winter Choral Concerts, Dec. 21, 6 and 8 p.m.

• Winter Band Concerts, Jan. 11, 6 and 8 p.m.

• Winter Dance Show, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.

• Jazz Showcase, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

Rosemount High• Holiday Choral Concerts, Dec. 21, 6 and 7:30 p.m.

• Day of Percussion, Jan. 9, all day

• Winter Band Concert, Jan. 11, 6 p.m.

• Dance Shows, Feb. 26 and 27, 7 p.m.

Rosemount High School Presents

Directed by Steve Albaugh

Eagan High School Presents

December 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m.

Senior Citizen Free Preview December 9 at 3:30 p.m.

$7 adults – $5 seniors – $5 students

Call 651-683-6964 • www.eagan.k12.mn.us

December 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m.

December 13 at 2 p.m.

Senior Citizen Free Preview December 8 at 3:30 p.m.

$9 adults – $7 seniors – $5 students

Call 651-423-7540

www.District196.org/rhs/theaterarts/tickets

Directed by Scott Durocher, Kari Douma, Rob Rachow, Frank Pasquerella,Michael Gruber and Kay Huhner

OnStage 2015:

The Envelope Please

Directed by Jerome Melchior

A Servant’s

Christmas

February 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.February 21 and 28 at 2 p.m.Senior Citizen Free Preview February 17 at 3 p.m.$9 adults – $7 seniors – $5 students Call 952-431-8208 • www.District196.org/avhs

Directed by Bill Blatzheim

B r o a d w a y 2 0 1 6 :AttheDance

Independent School District 196Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools3455 153rd Street WestRosemount, MN 55068

School BoardRob Duchscher, chairpersonJackie Magnuson, vice chairpersonGary Huusko, clerkArt Coulson, treasurerJoel Albright, directorMike Roseen, directorBob Schutte, director

Jane K. Berenz, superintendent

Tony Taschner, communications director

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDRosemount, MN

Permit No. 1

Time Value MaterialPlease Deliver Promptly

Community Education

Providing quality lifelong learning opportunities for all residents. • www.District196.org/ce • 651-423-7920 • 15180 Canada Avenue, Rosemount, MN 55068

engage • inspire • enrichProject Explore participants give back!

This winter you will see Project Explore participants volunteering their time and tal-ents at various community events, including bell ringing for the Salvation Army at Apple Valley Cub Foods, Community Meals at Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley and Feed My Starving Children in Eagan. Project Explore is a Community Education program designed to serve adults with physical and developmental cognitive disabilities by encouraging inclusion in community activi-ties and providing customized learning, social and recreational opportunities. Their mission is to empower adults with disabilities to make valuable contributions to their community as employees, volunteers, learners and citizens. Project Explore serves Minnesota cities south of the Twin Cities metro including Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville, Randolph, Rosemount and Savage. For more information, visit www.District196.org/projectexplore or call 651-423-7931.

Put your pedal to the metal in an indoor cycling class!Last year, 15 indoor cycles were purchased and a spin room was created from an old

storage space at Rosemount Middle School. The bikes are now tuned-up, installed and ready for you to begin spinning! This winter join Martin Melton, a seasoned and nationally certified cycle instructor, for low impact spinning drills that support muscle tone, cardio endurance, help in reducing stress and burn some calories, too! Move with motivating music and varied spinning drills. Weekly classes begin Monday, Dec. 14 and are offered monthly throughout the winter. Visit www.District196.org/ce or call 651-423-7920 for more

information.

Seven new graduates gain employment!Last spring, seven adults earned an Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair

certificate through Dakota County Technical College with academic help from a District 196 Adult Basic Education/ABE teacher through a partnership with the two schools and Goodwill Easter Seals. The seven new graduates have each secured

an automotive technology job at dealerships, independent service shops, franchise repair shops, tire shops, fleet service or maintenance shops. Enroll now for the winter

session beginning mid-January. Receive career navigation help from Goodwill Easter Seals and individualized academic support from an ABE teacher. Call Roger Egan at 651-379-5608 or email raegan@goodwilleasterseals.org.

English for

Citizenship

Tues. & Wed.

Jan. 19-Feb. 10

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Cedar Valley Learning Center

14420 Glenda Drive

Apple Valley

Parents learn, too!Early Childhood Family Education/

ECFE offers a variety of classes designed to help strengthen families. Research-based parent education, an opportunity for discussion with other parents and interactive play time with your children make this a valuable family experience. Classes are for parents and their children from birth through pre-kindergarten. For more information, visit www.District196.org/ecfe.